Natural Economy
Harnessing nature for more resilient agriculture
Healthy ecosystems that support a diversity of species are more effective at recycling nutrients, at providing pollination services, and at regulating pests. In arable systems, focus is typically on actions to improve soil health; cover crops, livestock integration, reduced tillage, incorporating organic matter and reducing synthetic inputs.…
- Lorna Cole
- 17/06/2024
Turning the Climate Tide: The Integral Role of Sustainable Livestock Practices
Given its significant contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, livestock farming finds itself in a critical role. Understanding these emissions’ biogenic nature and shorter atmospheric lifespan not only presents a challenge, but also outlines a pathway for effective mitigation efforts.…
- Poppy Frater
- 04/06/2024
Land management conference to address future training needs
A South West Scotland Future Landscapes Conference, designed to promote links between land management industries and identify future skills and training needs, is being organised by SRUC in collaboration with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and will be held in July.…
- SRUC
- 29/05/2024
From grain to glass: addressing Scope 3 emissions
The carbon footprint of the drinks industry extends beyond the brewery and distillery gates. While direct emissions are often under scrutiny, the indirect Scope 3 emissions, particularly those associated with agricultural supply chains like barley, wheat and hop cultivation, tend to be overlooked. With growing demand for transparency and sustainable practices, addressing and mitigating these Scope 3 emissions is vital to meet global climate change targets.…
- Iain Boyd
- 24/05/2024
Nature and biodiversity strategies: ‘Bio-washing’ in the corporate sphere
England’s new policy on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been introduced this February. Industries aiming to develop land will have to provide 10% net gain in biodiversity, maintained for at least 30 years. The goal? For development to contribute to nature recovery and be nature positive. It may only be a matter of time before Scotland and Wales adopt similar policies as well.…
- Tushaani Naudi
- 24/05/2024
Are cows killing the planet?
“Cows are killing the planet”. This statement is something that is increasingly heard from farmers who believe that this narrative is widely accepted by environmentalists, climate scientists and the…
- Séamus Murphy
- 24/05/2024
The rise of regenerative agriculture for businesses
With the industry committed to promote regenerative agriculture, how can they effectively ensure that targets are delivered on the ground?…
- Lorna Cole
- 24/05/2024
New project to map landowners in Scotland
With concentration of landownership in Scotland the highest in Europe, new research aims to understand whether recent land transactions are leading to - and fuelled by - land use change, such as towards achieving net zero.…
- SRUC
- 30/04/2024
New short course lets students of all ages get their hands dirty as tattie roguers
SRUC’s Potato Roguing Course provides students of all ages to learn from our decades of experience, gain a valuable qualification, and have the opportunity to become a key part of Scotland’s world-leading seed potato industry.…
- SRUC
- 17/04/2024
SRUC and HIE partnership to benefit rural economy
A new collaboration focusing on land and sea-based innovation is aiming to boost the Highlands and Islands economy.…
- SRUC
- 09/04/2024
Scotland Office Minister visits Barony
Scotland Office Minister John Lamont visited SRUC to see how digital innovation funded by more than £21 million of UK Government investment is helping to grow the rural economy.…
- SRUC
- 15/02/2024
Embracing Industrial Strategy: Pioneering High-Value Manufacturing in Food and Drink
With a UK General Election expected this year, industrial policy – the concept of direct government intervention to boost particular sectors of the economy – is moving into the spotlight.…
- Wayne Powell
- 30/01/2024